WATCH ABOVE: Amarjeet Sohi is hoping to make the jump into federal politics for the Liberal Party. Vinesh Pratap reports.
EDMONTON – Edmonton’s Ward 12 Councillor Amarjeet Sohi announced on Wednesday that he’ll be seeking the federal Liberal Party nomination in Edmonton Mill Woods, after revealing on Twitter last week that he had been approached to run.
Sohi was first elected to City Council in 2007. He’s been a Mill Woods resident for 35 years, and believes he can make an impact as a member of the federal party.
“I know this riding. I know its people. I know this city. I have proven to be a strong and effective voice on City Council and I believe I can be an effective and strong voice as a Liberal MP in Ottawa,” said Sohi.
“While I believe deeply in the work that Edmonton City Council is doing, I now have the opportunity to take my experience to Ottawa and fiercely advocate for Edmonton and its residents.”
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Sohi has voiced his disapproval with the amount of tax revenue municipalities receive. He argues the current fiscal arrangements are not fair for cities like Edmonton because they “send far more to Ottawa than they get back in return.”
“The lack of long-term, sustainable, and predictable funding hindered our ability for effective and efficient planning for both physical and social infrastructure. Urban centres like Edmonton deal with issues such as homelessness, mental health, addictions, and affordable housing, all without proper funding from our Federal government.”
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If elected, Sohi plans to focus on making certain Canada has a reputation as a nation open to immigrants. He immigrated to Canada under the family reunification program.
“My life in this city, in this country, is an example of what ‘hope and hard work’ can build. Anyone should have the opportunities I have had, but not everyone does. Far too many people live in poverty. Despite the resiliency of our First Nations, the living conditions of Aboriginal communities are deplorable,” said Sohi.
Before being elected to city council Sohi worked for Edmonton Transit. He is married and has a daughter.
The councillor said he’ll continue to serve his ward during the nomination process.
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